Take London’s less-travelled paths and transit routes

British capital is busy place, but there are several ways to enjoy the city without being overwhelmed by crowds of tourists and locals

Canadian High Commissioner Gordon Campbell welcomes Canadian tourists to the Canada Day celebrations at Trafalgar Square.

Photograph by: Ruby Turner

July has turned out to be an optimistic month for Londoners. The summer weather is the best in nearly a decade, the outlook for the economy is very good and the city is celebrating Andy Murray’s historical win at Wimbledon. Now the city is waiting in eager anticipation for the announcement of the royal birth before beginning another round of celebrations.

Adding to the festivities was the Canada Day street party held in Trafalgar Square on July 1 with over 50,000 attendees. Londoners along with Canadian expats and tourists sat in the sunshine to cheer on the teams taking part in the afternoon hockey tournament and stayed into the evening for the stage concert. Food stalls had long lines of patrons wanting to sample Canadian favourites along with the ever popular Molson beer.

With the great weather and special events bringing out more than the usual summer crowds, navigating the streets will take some planning in order to avoid the inevitable congestion.

Here are a few hints from local residents and tourist offices on how best to avoid the most crowded areas. It starts with the suggestion to avoid the regular rail and coach transfer services from the airport into the city. These are the cheapest way to travel into the city but are jammed full of tired tourists with stacks of luggage in the aisles. There is also the added complication of having to transfer from the city drop-off point to a hotel or apartment.

More reasonable choices are airport rail expresses, taxis and limousine services. Solo travellers will find the rail expresses the best buy but for two or more travellers, taxis and limousine services are good choices. Both are in the same price range and of the two, I find the limousine service the best. The price is a fixed rate so there is no extra charge if you get stuck in traffic and all arrangements can be made online before arriving. Clients are met at the departure gate so there is no need to line up at the taxi station.

Oyster cards are transit passes that are invaluable when using city buses and underground services. They can be purchased in various amounts at all stations and can be topped up at any time. Then it is just a matter of swiping them when entering and exiting through turnstiles. The underground is always busy. Try to avoid using it during the morning and late afternoon commuting times when it can get downright ugly.

Walking along the sidewalks can be challenging. Avoid the routes suggested in most tourist guides. These are almost always the busiest streets that tourists follow so they won’t get lost. Get a good detailed city map, find the suggested route to your destination and then plan your route one or two blocks off. It is amazing how quiet these streets will be compared to the main streets.

Apartment rentals are suggested over hotels. Nightly rates often work out the same when factoring in the ability to prepare some of your own meals. The extra benefit during this busy time is many apartment locations are on quieter streets than the busier hotels.

It wouldn’t be a visit to London without a stop in Harrods’ Food Hall. The secret to this visit is finding the most direct route through crowded and expensive departments to the Food Hall. Enter the building through door No. 3, go ahead through the lift area, take the first aisle to the left and proceed along the cosmetics counters until you pass into the bakery section. If you do want to purchase a food item, look for the ticket dispenser located in most sections and wait for your number to be called. The sausage rolls with leeks and sage are delicious.

I have a list of other suggestions for readers including where to find pubs that won’t disappoint and how to get the best theatre buys. Send your address and questions to travelwise@novuscom.net

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